Brazen BBQ of Hillcrest brings home another barbecue title

SAN DIEGO -- Brazen BBQ Smokehouse & Bar has chalked up another prestigious win at a barbecue championship.

Brazen took home the title of Best in Pork at the annual Santa Anita Park Winners’ Circle BBQ Championship, which was held March 10. More than 35 teams nationwide competed for prizes in the contest sponsored by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.

Executive Chef Brad Thomas and Pitmaster John Bracamonte have been winning awards at barbecue championships since 2009, and finally teamed up to open their own restaurant at 441 Washington St. in Hillcrest. In 2009, the California BBQ Association named them “Top 10 Team of the Year” by placing in the nation’s top 100, and also took home the “Rookie of the Year” award.

Brazen's barbecue is a little Southern, a little Cajun and distinctive on its own.